The opening stage of the opening event of the 2003 Australian Rally Championship didn't go to plan for the defending champion, Possum Bourne, when gear selection problems saw him drop ten seconds to the leaders.

Things got worse though as he was forced to complete a second run over the Super Special Stage on the water's edge at Busselton. Bourne finished the night with 21.9 seconds to make up when the action resumes tomorrow and has frantic service ahead to fix the problem. His crew are hopeful of a quick fix as long as there has been no permanent damage to the gearbox.

Best of the Subaru Rally Team Australia drivers was the Group N Impreza WRX STi of Cody Crocker, who finished in sixth place. Neal Bates holds the lead from the Group A Lancer of Steven Shepheard with Rick Bates third, completing a top night for Toyota.

The Bates' caused plenty of interest as they campaigned the new Group N prototype Corolla. On first showing, it looks quick.

Tenth of second timing has been introduced for this season, and it was required to split the top of the field who are locked together after the two runs over the 2.4 kilometre tarmac stage.

Rain threatened earlier, but conditions remained fine and a big crowd came out to support the drivers.
Local driver, Dean Herridge, got a big roar from the fans, and he didn't disappoint, finishing the night in seventh place, and well positioned to attack on the remaining nine stages of Heat One tomorrow.

The action gets underway at 10am Western Australia time (1pm Sydney time) with live results at www.rally.subaru.com.au.